The Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) marked a significant milestone in Philippine healthcare as its Robocare Surgical Center celebrated its third anniversary alongside the successful completion of its 500th robotic-assisted procedure.
The event, led by CGHMC President & CEO Mr. Kelly Sia, was attended by key figures including CGH Chairman Mr. Antonio Tan, Medical Director Dr. Samuel Ang, and a team of pioneering medical specialists. The celebration highlighted the center’s profound impact on surgical care in the country since its inception.
Housing the nation’s first and most advanced da Vinci Xi Dual Console Robotic System, the Robocare Surgical Center has been at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery. The dual-console technology is the cornerstone of the center’s comprehensive Robotic Surgery Training Program, which is built on three core objectives: to create a pipeline of certified robotic surgeons, strengthen local hospitals’ capacity through training and tele-mentoring, and provide subsidized robotic procedures for underserved patients.
This program balances clinical excellence, equity, and sustainability by combining simulation training, proctored clinical cases, and strategic hospital partnerships. The anniversary event underscored these three pillars, showcasing how the center’s work extends beyond its own walls to elevate surgical standards nationwide.
In her address, Mr. Kelly Sia emphasized the significance of the milestone. “Reaching 500 cases is not just a number; it represents 500 lives positively impacted by cutting-edge technology and 500 opportunities to refine our training model. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to making advanced surgical care accessible and sustainable for all Filipinos,” Sia stated.
The celebration was attended by the center’s core team of specialists, including Dr. Sammy Cunanan, Dr. Irene Sy, Dr. Apolonio Lasala, Jr., Dr. Venice Chan, Dr. Jason Letran, and Ms. Charlene Mae Concepcion, whose collaborative efforts have been vital to the program’s success.
As the Robocare Surgical Center moves forward, it continues to set the national standard for robotic surgery, demonstrating a replicable model of how technology, training, and a commitment to community health can converge to revolutionize patient outcomes in the Philippines.#
